Courses, Training, Certification and Recertification in Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED
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Different Ventilation-Assist Devices

April 14th, 2013 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (Comments Off)

Ventilation-assist devices are used to increase effectiveness of rescue breathing as well as to protect the first aider from possible infections while providing first aid. The use of these devices is usually taught in advanced first aid training courses for certified first aiders and healthcare professionals.

Two of the most commonly used devices include the pocket face mask and the bag valve-mask. Ideally, these devices are used with oxygen supply but may also be used in emergency situations even without oxygen.

Pocket face mask

Pocket face mask or CPR mask is a device that is similar with the resuscitator facepiece. It is most commonly used in remote rescue missions where oxygen supply is not available.

This breathing aid is made of soft collapsible material thus can be easily carried in the pocket or stacked in a simple first aid kit. CPR masks are available with or without an oxygen inlet. This device allows the rescuer to provide oxygen through a chimney on the mask. If oxygen available the rescuer is able to ventilate the victim with air from the oxygen source and his own lung. Pocket face mask can deliver up to a maximum of 80% oxygen concentration when used simultaneously with an oxygen source. When used without oxygen, it is still way better than mouth-to-mouth technique which can only deliver up to 16% oxygen.

CPR Mask

CPR Pocket Mask

The pocket face mask allows the rescuer to firmly hold the mask while ensuring proper head-tilt position. It may also be used without inserting oral airway when the airway is clear and there is no time to establish such oral airway device. To learn to use a pocket mask enrol in Red Cross CPR programs here.

Bag-valve-mask

Unlike the face mask, the bag-valve-mask (BVM) is bulky, with a detachable plastic bag and a mask. BVM is a hand-held device that is commonly used to ventilate nonbreathing victims. It may also be used to assist victims who have ineffective breathing pattern (shallow, labored and failing breathing) due to drug overdose. The bag-valve-mask comes in different sizes (newborn, pediatric, and adult sizes). It is important that the rescuer uses the right size of BVM to deliver the expected amount of oxygen.

It requires adequate training through advanced first aid course to properly and effectively use the bag-valve-mask. One problem with this device is that it is not easy establishing an effective seal. In fact, even healthcare providers need to go through training and practice to properly use this breathing-assist device. Without proper training, the use of BVM is futile.

When used for CPR, it is recommended that there are at least 2 rescuers: one secures and pumps the BVM while the other rescuer applies the chest pumps. If used properly, the BVM can be very effective; delivering up to 100% oxygen when connected with an oxygen source and 21% when there is no oxygen. To learn to use a bag-valve mask enrol in Red Cross CPR HCP courses here.

The Canadian Red Cross offers advanced training courses for healthcare workers to ensure the effective use of these breathing-assist devices.

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Simple Steps to CPR – Guidelines for 2012

October 10th, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (Comments Off)

The steps to performing effective CPR are incredibly easy and straight forward. Most individuals that register with us learn these basic CPR steps, listed below, within 3 hours. That includes significant time attempting these steps with hands on training.

Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not too difficult. Over 95% of individuals enrolled with us complete the course without any difficulty and get certification. Each certificate is good for 36 months and is valid across Canada. Refresher training courses are available for almost all awards.  Get your first aid or CPR certificate by clicking here.

This page will review the steps needed for competent CPR. The CPR tactics posted underneath are for review needs only. In order to learn effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) take a class through Vancouver First Aid Ltd.

Listed here are the approaches you should take if you discover someone lying unconscious (non reactive) on the ground.

Step 1: Check the Scene

It is imperative that you check the environment. You obviously do not want to harm yourself so you want to be aware of any dangers that can hurt you. Consider electronic wires, examine the floor and also be aware regarding any gassy smells. If you ever are suspicious of any serious risks get away from the environment and contact emergency medical services (EMS) promptly. If you cannot find any kind of potential risks start working on the next phase.

Step 2: Ask the patient if he or she is OK

Be sure to ask the patient if he / she is ok. Does the subject hear you? After they respond and everything is alright then great! If she or he don’t answer softly press on the shoulder to make certain they are not hard of hearing or deaf. If you do not obtain an answer carry on to the next step.

Step 3: Open the Patient’s Airway

Open up the patient’s airway simply by carefully slanting the subject’s head back along with your hand on the head and a couple fingers (using the other hand) under the jaw line. You have to be kneeling next to the patient’s upper body in order to do this.

Step 4: Check for any Breathing / Respirations

Put your ears near the patient’s mouth / nose (approximately two to three inches away from the mouth) and listen closely for any respiration. At the same time watch the individual’s stomach to find out if it’s rising or falling. This is what’s called the “listen, feel and look” procedure. In this part you are checking for respiration. You do not want to evaluate breathing for over 10 seconds. The Red Cross defines this as the “check” portion of the “check, call, care” system.

Step 5: Send a Bystander to Contact EMS

Using these details about the victim’s age, breathing and level of consciousness make a bystander phone 9-1-1. Always be clear and authoritative whenever telling someone to phone emergency medical services as well as make sure they know to return after they have done it. You need the bystander to return so that you know they have completed the call. Let them know the rough age of the subject and whether or not they are breathing. Explain to your bystander to additionally get an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Step 6: Begin Chest Compressions if Necessary

If the individual is breathing continue to watch the respirations right until emergency medical services comes. In case the patient is not actually respiring uncover the chest and set 2 palms, one over the other, and start compressions. You want to do these compressions above the center of the subjects chest area and press the chest about 1/3 the depth towards the floor. The actual beat must be at the very least one hundred compressions each minute. Cease as soon as you reach 30 compressions.

Step 7: Assisted Ventilations (using a pocket mask if available)

If you have a barrier device (pocket mask) utilise it for this next step. Close / plug the patient’s nostrils and ventilate via the mouth with not one but two thorough ventilations. Get a full seal with the mouth and observe the

CPR Barrier Device - Key-chain Pocket Mask

Ask the instructor at Vancouver First Aid for a key-chain pocket mask. This provides good protection for providing artificial respirations to a victim.

chest area or stomach rise when exhaling. Once you notice the torso rise / grow that is adequate air.

Step 8: 30 Chest Compressions for every 2 Breaths

Continue with delivering thirty compressions for every two ventilations up until the time EMS gets there, the patient revives, an AED is delivered, the room is dangerous or if you are too tired to continue.

For more information or to find out the easiest way to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) enrol in a first aid and / or CPR lesson such as CPR level “A”, “C” or “HCP”. Enrolling with Vancouver First Aid ensures you get high quality instruction, low prices, excellent teachers and valid Red Cross certifications.

Why Sing when doing CPR?

June 25th, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (0 Comments)

Chest compression’s are the most vital component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When participants take Red Cross CPR courses (vancouverfirstaid.ca/cpr-aed-courses/) a large component of the course is spent with candidates practicing CPR on manikins. Without effective chest chest compression’s the CPR can be ineffective. This article will outline the rate as to which CPR chest compression’s should be done and effective and easy to remember tips to help make sure the chest compression’s are at a good standard.

The Rhythm

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) is a large committee of professionals that conduct studies and research into the most effective methods of CPR. The latest standards, as of 2012, recommend instructors to teach candidates to do chest compression’s at a rate of at least 100 beats per minute (if you were to do it non-stop). The last standards, from 2005, had instructors teaching students to do the compression’s at around 100 beats per minute.  It is still recommended that rescuers apply two ventilation’s for every 30 chest compression’s.

The Problem

When rescuers have to do chest compression’s in real-life rescue scenario’s research shows that many either do the chest compression’s much too quickly or too slowly which is ineffective. Chest compression’s that are too fast do not allow the chest to fill with blood to allow for proper circulation. Compression’s that are too slow do not circulate the blood at a effective and necessary pace. This problem has led to some creative solutions by instructors.

The Most Effective Solution for Maintaining the Right Rhythm

When learning to do CPR many Red Cross first aid instructors promote candidates to sing or hum a tune when doing chest compression’s. Songs and tunes are an extremely good way of remembering a rhythm. Instructors have promoted songs that have a minimum beat of 100 beats per minute which have effectively helped rescuers maintain the right rhythm. One of the most popular songs for CPR is “Staying Alive” by the Beegees. The song title is easy to remember as rescuers are essentially helping the victims “stay alive”. More pessimistic rescuers can use “Another one bites the dust” by Queen. Both these songs have beats that are a little over 100 beats per minute. Another popular song is “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, however, this songs is just under 100 beats per minute.

These songs have helped rescuer maintain an effective rhythm when doing chest compression’s. The following is a video of good, up-to-date CPR techniques using a song to help maintain the proper compression rhythm.

For more information about doing the most effective visit one of our CPR posts about effective CPR steps or take a CPR course through Vancouver First Aid. We offer up-to-date CPR training throughout the Lower Mainland including in Burnaby, Richmond, Delta and Surrey. Register today to learn the basic skills to save a life.

CPR Training Coquitlam

June 12th, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (Comments Off)

Red Cross CPR and AED training in Coquitlam is featured through Vancouver First aid Ltd. All of the courses provided through the Canadian Red Cross are available and candidates can easily register online, through the phone or via email. These courses are designed for candidates, employee’s and students that are required to have only CPR training. These classes do not provide or include any training or certification in first aid.  However, every one of the courses incorporates lessons in the usage of automatic external defibrillators. This post will outline for you the various CPR courses obtainable in Coquitlam through Vancouver First Aid Ltd.

CPR level “A” in Coquitlam

The easiest, speediest and most basic CPR training in Coquitlam is CPR level A. This class features CPR and AED rescue and management techniques. Candidates will also find out how to acknowledge and give proper care for victims of respiratory emergencies that include full and partial obstructions (choking). People will also cover topics that include contacting 9-1-1 and legal consequences of doing C-P-R.

CPR level “C” in Coquitlam

The most famous and without doubt one of the most complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes is CPR-C. This training consists of every bit of the material presented in cardiopulmonary resuscitation level “A”. The CPR level C cert can certainly substitute any CPR-A certificate. Participants enrolled in this Red Cross CPR program will learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques for adult, child and infant victims. This class is moderately lengthier than its more basic counterpart, CPR “A”, and incorporates all the respiration emergency situation aspects.

CPR level “HCP” in Coquitlam

The foremost in depth cardiopulmonary resuscitation class is CPR – HCP which is created for those who are employed in the health care and attention niche. This training covers all of the components within CPR level’s “C” and “A” and comes with supplemental instruction utilizing complex apparatus and experienced support. This course is marginally lengthier than CPR C. Typical students include healthcare employees, medical administrators, and nursing and medical school students.

Registration for any of these CPR courses is extremely easy and straightforward. Select the CPR course of your choice from the selection above or from one of the menus presented on this page. Learn the skills to save a life by enrolling in CPR training in Coquitlam. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to use the contact us page. Re-certification and private courses are also available.

 

 

 

CPR Courses Richmond

June 12th, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (Comments Off)

CPR “A”, “C” and “HCP” courses and re-certifications are available in Richmond. Vancouver First Aid proudly features Red Cross training in CPR in Richmond. All of these certification courses feature training in the use of AED’s (automated external defibrillators). The courses mentioned here are stand-alone CPR classes that do not feature or include any first aid training. All successful candidates of these programs will receive credible and valid certificates that are current for 3 years. If individuals are unsure of the level of CPR training they are required to have based on workplace or school requirements contact your employer or academic supervisors. The page will outline the different available CPR courses featured in Richmond.

CPR “A” in Richmond – Register Here

The simplest, speediest and most general cardiopulmonary resuscitation course is C.P.R. level A. This training course encompasses critical cardiopulmonary resuscitation features which include CPR for child and adult patients. Students will additionally learn basic skills on how to recognise and provide proper care for subjects with breathing difficulties such as choking. People also will go over topics such as contacting 911 and the possible legal consequences of performing CPR.

CPR “C” in Richmond – Register Here

The preferred and without doubt one of the most complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation lessons is CPR level C. This class comprises of all of the information available in CPR level “A”. The CPR – C award can easily be a substitute for a CPR “A” award. Through this program participants won’t just be taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques for child and adult victims but will additionally understand how to treat and care for baby victims. This CPR course is just a little lengthier in comparison to CPR level A and incorporates all of the breathing emergency components.

CPR “HCP” in Richmond – Register Here

The most detailed and complicated CPR training course is CPR for health care providers (also known as CPR “HCP”). This course is developed for men and women who are employed in the health care business. This class contains all the information associated with CPR level’s “C” and “A” and includes additional education with the use of advanced products and competent support. Typical candidates consist of, but are not limited to, health-related employees, medical professionals, and nursing students. This course includes AED training and certification that is valid for 3 years.

All of these CPR courses available in Richmond teach candidates the basic skills to recognize and provide patients that need cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These courses will help build leadership skills and boost your resume. To register for a course in Delta select the course you need from above or from the one of the menu’s on the page.

 

 

 

CPR Courses Delta

June 12th, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (Comments Off)

CPR customers in Delta have a number of options when registering for Red Cross CPR training. All available CPR options and levels are available in Delta through Vancouver First Aid Ltd. Candidates can select from a number of CPR “only” courses which include CPR “A”, “C” and “HCP” (also known as CPR “C” for health care providers). All of the programs include lessons in the use of automatic external defibrillators. Candidates that register for these courses are students, health care workers, community centre employees, volunteers, fitness workers and many people in a variety of different working environments. Registration for any of these courses is amazingly simple and straight-forward. This page will outline the available Red Cross CPR courses in Delta featured through Vancouver First Aid.

CPR Level “A” in Delta

The easiest, speediest and most basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation course is C.P.R. “A”. This training focuses on critical cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. Individuals will learn CPR techniques for only adult victims. Participants will additionally learn how to recognise and provide proper care for victims with respiration emergencies that include choking. Individuals will additionally address topics which include contacting 911 and legal dangers of performing C-P-R.  For more information about our available CPR “A” courses select the CPR “A” link above this paragraph.

CPR level “C” in Delta

This is the most popular Red Cross CPR course. This is also one of the most comprehensive CPR programs available to Canadians. The CPR “A” components is encompassed into this course and the certificate can easily be a substitute for a CPR A certificate. Individuals in this course will learn CPR rescue techniques for adults, children and infants. This course is moderately lengthier than CPR level A and consists of all the breathing emergency situation aspects. To register for this popular class or for more information select the CPR “C” link from above or from the side menu.

CPR Level “C” for Health Care Providers in Delta (CPR “HCP”)

Possibly the most detailed and comprehensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation program is CPR “HCP” which is created for people that are employed in the medical health care field. This training course goes over all the material included in CPR level’s “C” and “A” and provides additional training with the use of professional tools and competent support. This program is marginally lengthier than CPR C. Popular participants consist of, but are not limited to, health-related workers, medical care professionals, and medical and nursing students.

In advance of registering for a program it is important for prospects to determine if they need a CPR “only” lesson or if they need a coupled first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training course. Nearly all individuals go with CPR “C” which happens to be simply the favourite course among all 3. All of the CPR courses will certainly train candidates on the fundamental know-how for helping preserve and help save a life. Learn the basic skills on how to save a life by registering for CPR training in Delta.

 

 

 

CPR Course Burnaby

June 12th, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR - (Comments Off)

Red Cross CPR courses are featured in Burnaby through Vancouver First Aid Ltd. Participants have the opportunity to select from a number of stand-alone CPR classes. These classes include CPR “A”, “C” and “HCP”. The page will quickly outline the differences between these three courses and provide a link to register for that CPR course in Burnaby. Every one of the classes encompasses training in the application of automatic external defibrillators. Candidates should be aware that all of the courses posted here are for stand-alone CPR programs that do not contain any first aid certification.

CPR “A” in Burnaby

The easiest, quickest and most basic CPR training is CPR -A. This program covers essential cardiopulmonary resuscitation features including CPR for adult and child victims. Students will additionally learn to recognise and provide care and attention for victims with respiratory emergencies that include full and partial obstructions (choking). People also will cover issues which includes contacting EMS and legal consequences of doing CPR. Average individuals normally include those who are employed in the service, training and health care market sectors, specifically with adults.

CPR “C” in Burnaby

The most popular and one of the most comprehensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses is CPR – C. This course includes every bit of the information offered in CPR level “A”. The CPR C certificate can be a substituted for a CPR-A award. Participants will learn CPR and AED techniques for adult, child and infant victims. This class is marginally longer than CPR “A” and comprises of each of the respiratory emergency aspects.

CPR “HCP” in Burnaby

By far the most comprehensive CPR lesson is health care provider CPR which is made for men and women who are employed in the medical health care business. This program covers all of the content involved in CPR level’s “C” and “A” and includes supplemental education while using complex apparatus (such as bag valve mask) and trained assistance. This training course is just a little longer than CPR level “C”. Typical students include healthcare staff, health-related facilitators, and nursing students.

Prior to registering for a class it is recommended for participants to check if they require a CPR “only” lesson or if they need to have a paired first-aid and CPR training course. All first aid and C.P.R. classes include information on the utilization of automated external defibrillators (AED’s). Most candidates opt for CPR – C which happens to be simply the most popular training course among all 3. All of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation training courses will teach people on the fundamental techniques to help sustain and save a life.

 

 

 

 

What Happened to CPR level B?

May 9th, 2012 | Posted by vanfirstaid in CPR | CPR Questions - (Comments Off)

All CPR and first aid courses undergo modifications and improvements approximately every 5 years. Recommendations and modifications are provided through a large committee on CPR which is associated with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The general direction of CPR within the past few decades has been towards simplicity and ease of understanding. The large committee group has preached a simpler method for all CPR rescues including CPR for adults, children and infants. With the development of a simpler system CPR level “B” has become outdated as all of its curriculum is now included in CPR level “A”.

Difference Between CPR level’s

Prior to 2005, CPR level “A” (more course information) taught candidates specific rescue techniques for adult victims. CPR level “B” went a step further and taught students rescue procedures for adult and child patients. In 2005, CPR techniques for adult and child victims became almost identical. This made the CPR “A” course almost identical to CPR “B”. In 2005, all of the major providers noticed this change and decided to slowly remove it from the program. By approximately 2007 it became almost impossible to find a CPR “B” course or to become certified in it. Unfortunately, not much was done in terms of candidate awareness. Many CPR “B” candidates who needed to re-certify for employment or school purposes were confused and didn’t know whether to upgrade to CPR “C” (includes infant CPR) or to “down-grade”, without knowing its a identical course, to CPR “A”.

Still Around

To make things even more confusing CPR “B” hasn’t been removed entirely from all the programs. The Red Cross has a childcare first aid program which they operate exclusively. In this program CPR “B” is the only option for students. This continued addition to childcare first aid is the last area where CPR “B” exists. However, childcare first aid will soon modify its program and likely also remove CPR “B”.

In the meantime, it is recommended for everybody that was required to have CPR “B” to maintain certification in CPR level “A”. Hopefully this article clears up the confusion with where the CPR level “B” program has went. For more information about the current CPR “A” or CPR “C” program visit our website course pages for either of those classes.

Many participants that enroll in first aid and CPR training throughout Canada question if they are receiving legitimate and credible training and certification. The concerns is valid because what is the point of taking a course that doesn’t offer credible certification? How are you sure that you are going to get a valid certificate through a certified instructor? Will you be licensed or certified so that when something comes up you won’t be liable? This article will outline some of the key things that should make a candidate consider whether they are taking a credible course or not.

1. The first aid or CPR course is significantly shorter than other provider or from what is advertised. When a course is drastically shorter than advertised I would recommend for the student to contact the national provider for the program (i.e. Canadian Red Cross) and inquire as to whether you are receiving a certified award. Certified instructor know that the course should not run shorter than the minimal allowable time.

Adult and Infant CPR Manikins

Adult and Infant CPR manikins for CPR training

2. No manikins or training equipment to receive hands on training or practice with. Manikins and training equipment are expensive. One sign that a provider is illegitimate is that they do not provide candidates with the opportunity to practice skills on appropriate equipment. If you practice using a AED with a cardboard box labelled “AED” or if you use stuffed toys to practice CPR you are likely not in a legitimate program and should inquire about your certification. All credible providers must use appropriate training manikins and AED trainers.

3. No books or manuals. If you do not receive supplemental reading material for a full course you are likely not in a legitimate course. Only legitimate and credible providers can obtain supplemental reading material. If you do not receive the manuals or books you will likely not be processed by that provider and your award will not be valid.

4. Wallet sized certificates. All credible providers must issue wallet sized certificates. The wallet sized certificates are the only licensing and valid awards. If you receive a wall sized certificate, which holds no certification value, ask for a wallet sized certificate. If the instructor or provider does not have any to issue you then you are likely not receiving any valid certification or licensing and your information will not be processed into the main provider (i.e. Red Cross, Lifesaving Society) database. Make sure you receive a wallet sized certificate.

5. The course must be held in a classroom. If you take a first aid or CPR course and the location is a field or someones home you are likely not taking a course with a legitimate provider. All major providers are required to offer first aid and CPR courses in legitimate classrooms of a certain size. If you are scheduled to take a course in someones home or in a field contact the main provider.

Ensure that you take first aid and CPR training (click here to view our courses) through credible and legitimate providers to ensure your certification is valid to save you from any headache your legal issues in the future. Without a legitimate certificate your employer might ask you to re-take the course (with a credible provider) and you might have a difficult time re-certifying in the future.

Every week Vancouver First Aid offers re-certification courses for all Red Cross programs in the Surrey, Vancouver and Richmond training centers. Many participants are surprised about a few requests and answers from the instructors. This page is designed to outline the 5 biggest surprises candidates will encounter when taking a Red Cross first aid or CPR re-certification course (register for a course here).

1. Bring your old certificate.

Instructors are required to see the previous certificate obtained by the candidate prior to being issued a new certificate. The previous certificate should be the original wallet sized certificate. The wall mount certificates hold no value so instructors should not accept those awards. The previous certificate should not be laminated (lamination makes it void) and should have no additional marks or scribbles on it. If you can not find your old reward contact your previous provider so that they can send you your previous certificate.

2. Don’t expect to leave early.

Many candidates first question when entering a re-certification course if they class will end early. Credible providers and instructors can not let candidate leave prior to the minimum time period regardless of the background of the students. The instructor can be held liable if he or she does not instruct for the minimum required time period. To view the approximate length of each course select the re-certification course of your choice from the main or side menu.

3. Don’t be irate over any CPR changes.

Many customers become irate and question the instructor as to why CPR changes occurred as some candidates can get frustrated over learning new CPR techniques. New changes are brought forth and recommended by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This committee is the largest research group for CPR. The provide recommendations for all the CPR providers in order to increase chances of success. Candidates should embrace the changes as they will increase the chances of survival.

4. Don’t be surprised when the instructor challenges you.

Many candidates become frustrated when the instructors challenges the candidates or asks complicated questions for already difficult scenarios. All of the major providers recommend to the instructors to challenge the candidates as they should already be familiar with the basic concepts. The idea behind the re-certification is not only strengthen the knowledge of candidates but to also add to it.

5. Yes, you will likely have to take a exam.

Many participants that attend re-certification courses become frustrated when they realize they have to take a exam. Don’t get frustrated at the instructors, the exam is a mandatory requirement enforced by the providers. Don’t kill the messenger!

For more information about re-certification courses and programs visit the re-cert course of your choice listed in the main or side menu.